Taylor’s relishing his Goldington Road return

Duncan Taylor of Saracens hands off Topsy Ojo of London Irish at The Stoop, Twickenham in the first round of The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series.''The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series kicked off again for the third season on Friday 13th July at The Stoop, Twickenham with Pool B being played at Edgeley Park, Stockport on Friday, 20th July, Pool C at Kingsholm Gloucester on Thursday, 26th July and the Final being played at The Recreation Ground, Bath on Friday 3rd August. The innovative tournament, which involves all 12 Premiership Rugby clubs, offers a fantastic platform for some of the country's finest young athletes to be exposed to the excitement, pressures and skills required to compete at an elite level.''The 12 Premiership Rugby clubs are divided into three groups for the tournament, with the winner and runner up of each regional event going through to the Final. There are six games each evening, with each match consisting of two 7 minute halves with a 2 m

Former Bedford Blues star Duncan Taylor can’t wait to strut his stuff again at Goldington Road on Friday night when Saracens face Leicester Tigers in the LV=Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.

The now Sarries star said: “I am really excited to be back playing at Bedford. I can’t wait. I think it’ll be a really good game against a strong Leicester team and I’m very much looking forward to it.

“Bedford Blues are playing away this weekend so it’ll be a good bit of rugby here for their fans and hopefully because Saracens and Bedford have got this connection the crowd will be more on our side than on theirs.”

Although dual-registered Taylor has not turned out for the Blues this season, the 22-year-old believes that returning to his old stomping ground could give him – and Saracens – the edge over Leicester.

“I think that knowing Goldington Road well will be an advantage because it’s a strange old ground,” he said.

“It’s got a massive slope so I think teams that come here might not expect that. Saracens have been up there to play before and hopefully we’ll know how to play the pitch a little better.

“It should be a great atmosphere and hopefully the crowd will be on our side.”

Tickets will be sold on the gate and Saracens chairman Nigel Wray is looking forward to ‘a fantastic occasion’.

“Goldington Road is a traditional rugby ground reflecting the best traditions of the game, and our supporters will enjoy a warm welcome and an outstanding event,” Wray said

“As a club, we work hard to create special occasions that effectively grow the game, and we will do nothing less on Friday.”

Saracens and Bedford have nurtured a special relationship over the past three seasons, working together to provide opportunities for dual-registered players, benefiting both clubs.